Burj Al Arab
Burj Al Arab is still the only 7 star super luxury hotel in the world. It is one of the most iconic hotels on the planet, thanks to the sheer drama of its architecture designed to mimic a billowing dhow sail. Like many icons you have to actually see it get the full impact. The 321-m tower stands on an artificial island connected to the shore by a bridge and has been known as the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. It is an icon in the city of Dubai much as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or the Empire State Building is to New York.
Arriving Burj Al Arab guests are met at the airport by uniformed staff and driven to the hotel in a Rolls-Royce limousine. Some, however, prefer to be transported to the Burj Al Arab by helicopter and are met and greeted at the dedicated rooftop landing pad. There is no reception desk the Burj Al Arab; guests at the Burj Al Arab are escorted directly to their suite for check-in. On the ground floor are the concierge desk and an eye-catching red designer sofa on an ornamental marble floor. An escalator takes guests up to the Burj main lobby, past a cascading water feature and large aquariums.
A look upward reveals the dramatic atrium, the world's tallest. The white sails covering the outer side of the atrium are used as a screen for the nightly light show at the Burj Al Arab. Some 2,000 sq m of 22-carat gold leaf have been used in the decor of the lobby and the restaurants, together with Italian marble (one of nearly 30 different types used throughout the property), Brazilian granite and custom-made carpets. The lobby, dotted with huge golden columns, leads to several boutiques and restaurants.
Al Iwan restaurant next to the lobby serves exquisite Arabian cuisine, whereas the Al Muntaha, located 200 m above the sea, offers a more international menu. Two dedicated elevators at the Burj Al Arab whisk in-house guests and outside visitors (who have registered in advance with security) to the 27th floor for an unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience. Most unusual is the concept of the Al Mahara seafood restaurant, which creates the feeling of an underwater location, thanks to a simulated submarine ride and aquariums in the place of windows. Guests dine in the confines of shark and unique marine life surroundings with a freshwater seafood menu and exquisite service. Diners can witness marine life experts feeding the underwater residents and experience the full atmosphere of the menu.
Professional sommeliers at the Burj Al Arab offer their vast knowledge of the hotel's ever-changing wine list in each restaurant. A ground-floor brasserie serves casual fare for those on the go, and a beachside outlet rustles up both fresh and hearty Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine. The newest restaurant at the Burj Al Arab is Junsui, a Japanese-influenced Asian restaurant that has a menu as appealing as its opulent decor.
In addition to the outdoor pool, there is the impressive indoor pool in the Assawan Spa on the 18th floor with beautiful Arabesque decor and dramatic views. The Spa at the Burj Al Arab also comprises a gym, saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy baths, several treatment rooms, and a ladies-only section. Guests at the Burj Al Arab have free access to the private beach and the Wild Wadi water park.
Meeting facilities at the Burj Al Arab include rooms of several sizes on different floors; those on the 27th floor afford sensational views. The ballroom holds up to 220 people. A few luxury shops line the lobby for those who prefer not to leave the property. Most guests arrive by limo or helicopter.
Elevators taking guests to their floors are scented with peach aroma. Each floor at the Burj Al Arab has up to 12 suites serviced by the butler desk (doubling as a personal concierge and reception). In-suite check-in, unpacking, pressing of clothes and delivering food orders are some of the standard services provided by butlers 24 hours a day.
The smallest units at the Burj Al Arab are the two-floor, 170-sq-m suites. The living room with floor-to-ceiling windows occupies the entire lower floor boldly colored in blue and gold. There is a seating corner, a dining table, a bar, a pantry and a powder room. The working desk comes with a laptop providing free Internet access, and wireless high-speed Internet is available throughout the property. A curved staircase leads up to the bedroom and the dressing room as well as to the large bath with a decadent Roman feeling. A circular whirlpool, a glass-enclosed shower stall and twin vanities are standard amenities. Also on hand are full-sized Hermes toiletries (we're talking department-store size) and luxuriant robes and slippers.
The suites (yes, there are accommodations larger than the oversized standard rooms) have several high-tech touches, such as multifunctional large-screen TVs with DVD players. The loftlike layout of the corner suites differs from the rest, whereas the top-floor suites are even grander with a more opulent decor, several bedrooms and much more living space. Two-thirds of the units are one-bedroom suites making them the most common accommodation here.
Room service never stops, and special requests are honored with a smile. Pets are strictly forbidden. Service is a premium product here and perhaps a factor of the worldwide popularity of Burj Al Arab.
The best rates at Burj Al Arab are offered by ClassicTravel.com. Check availability to see for yourself. Our Virtuoso rates also include full breakfast and other VIP amenities.
Burj Al Arab is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.
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